97 BD Suspension Issues: bad rear struts?

[ryman2297]

Just yesterday i started to notice some noise while i was driving around town coming from the back of my car. wasnt sure what it was but it was more or less constant and much louder when going over rough road. Turns out my rear struts moan and squeak real bad when they compress and return. The car also rattles a bit when i drive over large cracks in the road. Are these problems related or different cases? IF anyone can tell me what might be goin on Id appreciate it. Otherwise new struts might get bought soon.

[phi11]

14 year old struts are going to be bad.
Is the rattling a noice? Like loose heat shelds?

[ryman2297]

yeah, im pretty sure they are the originals. The rattling probably is a loose shield. i can only hear it when my windows are down so theres a good chance its coming from under the car. once all this snow melts away ill get under and check that out.

as far as the struts go, does it sound like i should start looking for a replacement? what would be a good swap that WILL NOT lower the car? Cant play in the mud or blaze the trails if my car is slammed like a hot rod haha

[phi11]

kyb gr 2

[Grafton]

^ ditto best bang for buck replacement part

[Navi271]

I when I lowered my car back in the day, we found that 2 out of the 4 stock struts were toast and I didn't even know it! I was completely oblivious.
My cat(meow) heat shields used to rattle at idle, nothing that a plasma cutter couldn't fix! You just have to figure out where your rattle is coming from.


Cant play in the mud or blaze the trails if my car is slammed like a hot rod haha
Don't forget driving over curbs!!! But you need to worry about ride height when you get into different springs, not as much with struts.

oh, and I saw you driving down Hyland last week when I was going home on the red bus.

[ryman2297]

So i think I have this rattle problem figured out. as far as i can tell, i think the brake calipers might be loose during normal driving. When I drive down the street even the smallest bump in the road causes a rattle, but if i press the brake pedal down just enough to engage it, i can hit a huge pothole and it doesnt make a sound. So, does this mean i have low brake line pressure, maybe just need more brake fluid? I really need to get this fixed so i can enjoy driving with the windows down since the weather is getting nice again.

[Huffer]

Time to service your brakes.

Wheels off, brakes disassembled as if you were replacing pads and rotors, regrease the caliper pins and maybe a brake fluid bleed while you're in there. Never hurts to have fresh fluid.

[Navi271]

I heard it last week when you drove by me. Sounded bad. Ya, I'd try to fix that quick.

[Lsnaple]

Did you fix this? Is the rattle just a sound or does the car kinda vibrate? I know on the fronts if a wheel bearing is bad pressing the brake sometimes alleviates the problem ass it holds the wheel in a straight line instead of wobbling. I'm sure you already figured it out but since I didn't see anything I thought I might throw out a suggestion.